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THE GOVERNMENT HAS RESPONDED TO GROWING CALLS FOR ELDERLY PASSENGERS IN ENGLAND TO GET THE SAME TRAVEL BENEFITS AS THOSE IN SCOTLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND BEN HURST and RAVI MEAH

12:22, 05 Jun 2025 The Department for Transport has issued a fresh update on the mounting demands for bus passengers in England to receive the same benefits as those in Scotland, Wales and

Northern Ireland. A parliamentary petition has garnered significant support, with 63,000 individuals advocating for reform. In Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, those aged 60 and above

are entitled to complimentary bus travel. However, in England, it is the responsibility of financially strained local authorities to provide funding, resulting in limited availability,

except in select areas such as Merseyside and London. The petition, which has gathered 63,285 signatures, said: "We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over

60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60. READ MORE: WHSmith 'on track' to start disappearing

from High Street this monthREAD MORE: Mum received DWP letter saying her disabled daughter was fit for work – she was dead "Currently, people in England who do not live in London are

not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe

we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland." Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours recently posed a question

in Parliament on the impact of issuing free bus passes to individuals over the age of 60. Article continues below He asked Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander: "What assessment her

Department has made of the potential impact of introducing free bus passes for people aged 60 and over on (a) social inclusion, (b) the economy and (c) the environment?" In response,

transport minister Simon Lightwood acknowledged the financial implications such a change could entail. But he also indicated optimism by pointing out newly allocated funding to local

authorities that might be used for such purposes, according to Lancs Live. He said: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those

with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently 66. The ENCTS costs around £700m annually and any changes to the statutory obligations would therefore need to be

carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability. "No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering the age on social inclusion, the

economy or the environment." He added: "Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of

eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources. READ MORE: Poundland set to close store as '200 more at risk of shutting

their doors'READ MORE: Brazen petrol snatchers push fuel prices up as thefts soar by almost 50% a year "The Government has confirmed £955m for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to

support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243m for bus operators and £712m allocated to local authorities across the country. Article continues below

"Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available

in local areas to support the local economy and environment." CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PETITION AND A FULL RESPONSE FROM THE DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT.